Government rejects port sale fears

The State Government has dismissed concerns raised by Labor MLC Darren West over the future privatisation of the Geraldton Port.

Mr West, a member for the Agricultural Region, said the removal of the Port Enhancement Project (PEP) charge, an increase in port usage charges and the write-off of $67 million in outstanding debt owed by users of the port had “paved the way for the port to be privatised”.

Nationals MLC Paul Brown rejected Mr West’s assertions that the changes announced in the Budget would make a potential sale more attractive to investors.

“Geraldton Port sale comments are nothing more than blatant scaremongering,” Mr Brown said.

“At this point there has been no discussion of a proposal except from Darren West.

“Along with my Nationals WA Colleagues, I have opposed the sale of the Fremantle Port and I would definitely not be supporting any sale of the Geraldton Port.”

Premier Colin Barnett and Treasurer Dr Mike Nahan also said there were no plans to privatise the port.

But Mr West said he flatly refused to believe anything the Premier said.

“I don’t believe a word the Premier says and I don’t believe a word Dean Nalder (Transport Minister) says because they run a privatisation agenda,” Mr West said.

“They’ve got a fire sale going; they can’t sell the Fremantle Port, they can’t sell Utah Point, what’s next?

“I don’t think the port is for sale today, but I have no doubt that if they get re-elected in March next year the Geraldton Port will be sold.”

While Mr West stood steadfast in his belief the port would be sold, Mr Brown said the potential for a future port development project at Oakajee would limit the financial return of anyone that was theoretically looking to buy the Geraldton Port.

“If I was going to spend the time and money on a port in this area I would be looking to entice a developer that might look favourably on a 50-year build and operate model for Oakajee,” Mr Brown said.

“We always seem to want to undertake these projects at the top of the economic cycle rather than look for investments at the bottom of the cycle where we are now.”